As part of National Tree Week, more than 40 pupils from Notting Hill & Ealing High School have taken part in a local initiative to plant trees on Horsenden Hill in Greenford.
UK environmental charity Trees for Cities has partnered with Ealing Council to plant up to 6,200 tree saplings on Horsenden Home Field which over time will improve the area and help to prevent flooding of nearby homes and a sports field.
The pupils planted 195 trees including Oak, Silver Birch, Alder, Common Hazel, Wild Cherry and Rowan.
Miss Cassar, the school’s eco coordinator for environment and sustainability said of the planting: “It’s incredibly important to teach our pupils how to care for our planet and that there are ways that they can make a positive impact on their local environment in the bid to reduce climate change.
Miss Cassar addedL: “NHEHS are delighted to support the good work Trees for Cities do to improve green spaces in urban areas.”
Trees for Cities offered advice and guidance to the pupils and explained that aftercare and maintenance includes mulching to help keep the saplings warm during winter, as well as weeding and watering, to ensure the trees grow to maturity.
Milly, a Year 5 Eco Rep at NHEHS said: “It’s important to plant trees as they provide a home for creatures and they also help the environment – they’re very good for planet Earth.”
The school, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary, has put the great effort in developing a sustainability strategy and engaging both its pupils and staff in taking part.
Miss Cassar added: “With a student-led approach, girls are given opportunities to take on initiatives that place them at the forefront of positive change, whether this be through educating their peers and spreading awareness, or becoming hands on in green projects.”
